Animal desexing trial to benefit low-income earners

As part of the program residents can claim a reimbursement of $75 for desexed cats and $150 for desexed dogs.

Mayor Greg Williamson said desexing your pet was an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

“Each year there are countless unwanted dog and cat litters in the region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“These litters place an incredible strain on the community and desexing is a simple solution that can reduce this issue,” he said.

“Desexing also has countless other benefits including preventing uterine infections, lowering the risk of some cancers, and it can also reduce aggressive and territorial behaviour and your pet’s likelihood to wander.

“With the cost of living rising across the country, this trial is aimed at benefiting those most in need by reducing the costs involved in desexing their pets.”

To be eligible for a reimbursement you must be:

• a resident of the Mackay Regional Council region; and
• an eligible holder of an approved Queensland concession card, not limited to seniors, people with a disability, carers, sole parents, widows and students, health care or a veteran card; and
• the owner of a registered, microchipped, desexed dog or cat; and
• have had the animal desexed within the last sixty (60) days.

Please note: Regulated dogs are not eligible for this rebate.

For more details and to apply, complete the application form at mackay.qld.gov.au/desexingrebate and return it to your local council customer service centre with supporting documentation.

This includes a current Queensland concession card, a payment receipt and a certificate from your veterinary surgery confirming that your pet has been desexed within the last 60 days.

The reimbursement will be paid via electronic funds transfer into your nominated bank account.

There is a limited amount of funds available for the rebate and the rebate trial will end either on June 16, 2023, or when funds are exhausted.